Current-rectifying system



Dec. 25, 1928. 1,696,210

H. F. PORTER cummu'r nsc'rmnm SYSTEM Filed Feb- 16, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

Z v51 ATTORNEY.

Deb. 25, 1928. 1,696,210

H. F. PORTER CURRENT RECTIFYING SYSTEM Filed Feb. 16, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 THERMO PM 55 B1 THE/FMO-P/L E5 THERMO- /LES IN VEN TOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 25, 1928 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HARRY FL PORTER, OF TRENTON, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-HALF T0 CORNELIUS D. EHR-ET, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

CURBENT-RECTIFYING SYSTEM.

Application filed February My invention relates to a method of and apparatusfor converting, as by rectificatlon, alternating or fluctuating current into direct current for general purposes, and more particularly for supplying current to vacuum tubes, and particularly those of the type utilized in radio systems and kindred relations.

My present invention is of the general character disclosed in my prior application Serial No. 756,376, filed December 17, 1.924.

In accordance with my invention, there may be utilized a lesser number of series of thermo-couples than in the Wheatstone bridge arrangement of the aforesaid prior application, by passing the fluctuating or alter nating current through two series of thermo- 7 couples in parallel, withthe two series of I thermo-couples connected cumulatively with respect to the direct current circuit to be supplied thereby, and effectinga balance as regards fluctuatin or alternating electromotive-forces at t e extreme direct current terminals of the two series, whereby there is no fluctuating or alternating electro-motiveforce impressed upon the direct current circuit, with the result that there is no hum or similar disturbing effect in the direct current circuit.

In one of its aspects, my invention comprises a VVheatstone bridge arrangement of the general character of the aforesaid prior application, with the substitution for two of the thermo-couple series in two arms of the bridge of condensers, at least one ofthem preferably accompanied by a balancing re sistancc; and more particularly, the inclusion in such arms of the bridge of transformer secondaries, preferably in the form of bifilarly wound secondary coils, with which is associated a primary winding traversed by the fluctuating or alternatingcurrent. with the result, in effect, that there are introduced into two arms of the bridge two sources delivering fluctuating or alternatin currents in phase with each other, and pre. erably of substantially equal amplitudes.

Further in accordance with-my invention, several of the above described circuit arrangements are utilized for procuring direct currents of different voltages suited to dif ferent uses, particularly in radio apparatus involving a plurality of vacuum tubes.

16, 1925. Serial N0. 9,446.

My invention resides in the method and apparatus of the character hereinafter described and claimed.

For an understanding of my method, and for an illustration of various features of my invention, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

. Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a circuit arrangement embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a modified circuit arrangement.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a radio system embodying the arrangement of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic View of radio apparatus comprising a plurality of vacuum and 2, so that the thermo-electro=motiveforces of all thermo-couples of both series are added or cumulative between the points 1 and s,

2, which are in effect the terminals of the direct current source T, T forv supplying smooth direct current to any suitable con sumption circuit, such, for example, as the anode circuit of an audion or vacuum tube V having the anode a, filament or cathode f and the usual grid g. Thethermo-couple series T and T may be considered as arms of a Wheatstone bridge, in whose other arms are disposed the condensers K and K To .1

the points 3 and 4 is connected the source of fluctuating or alternating current, generically indicated at S, andwhich may be, for example, a source of alternating current which may be connected to the points 3 and 4 through an. ordinary lamp socket. The source S is therefore'in effect in a conjugate conductor of the Wheatstone bridge, while the consumption device V is in the other conju gate conductor traversed only by direct current. To ensure that between the pointsl a difference of fluctuatl potential, there may he ldition to the condensers nicely bridge an l i adjustaole resist- The condensers are .1 rec capacity to pass to the =le serice "I and T current ot the desired magnitude it the potential arailaliile ir These condensers serve adriitionidl} to pre 11; an l circuit 0t i short the direct current he wc n the points 1 an:

; 13 ,i" l 1 Hi 2 or to the nu-ciuatins; \u. a ticulating crnient 1g EGCOlMlprimary 2) 1S uirce oi alterhroughi' nafing or H The winding a s" h; nril at i, and their remote tlzll in en phase with car sultthat lzetw cn the conjngl'at bridge there HQYOl'CXlY" :7 or alternating p r a; Fig. 1, that in he anooe tube T thcre will he no coinponen o 'nating current due to th S. 2131; there will therefore ct; c noise-producing current, par 0. the. current delirercd l the 0 audio frequency, as, for ex p (nd, connnonl cniplc -iai 'htinq' 2 In J. Sili a SR'SiClll. such atrno or alt 3 l 1 when e 5 TS 0i i nd power circa d iown ins: vstein inrol iii osc cathode or iilanieni' is heated hr any suitahl sou r 3 "V repre- FL GiitZQE'l cy ainrcqnency anii'he source oi dance with oraun nno. ln 1 grid cir- 'sii\ ii" lgled to an ahsor tion struc ure A 2 whore aecondar *2 rial) c coudeneer C. idinn' il which re encv ampligucncy through winiary ot a in ccondary is conn ,cd in ccccdiua' tuhe. O:

'3111101' vhoe e accondary is in the circr'ic ol emceethng audio frequent-v aur- T pu ring; tnhe: or 11: la tube l 15 an audio I caucncv aninifier. the winding Y ma he a. telephone windinp' or the primary of an audio frequency transformer whose secondary connect-e with the grid 0 cuit of a Euccceding audio frcqnenc ainpiiller.

The source of anode circuit current is of the gen ral character indicated in Fig; 1, and 111016SPQCliiCflllY o i the charar'z'cr ind. .ind in Fig. The primary is in circuit n 1 source of alternating or llllCtllfiiullf S, and associated with the zine ccre transformer are the secon ax-y win lin s i an l is are a is indica I the w i wound hililarly, r'l'iich in i that all portionsof each of e and s are snhjectcd to exacll; tions, whereby all diil'c-rencce of fund and l'iarnionic 'l'rijrquenciea are ha ain there is afi orded eulretz'zntirillr ahsrilute rilllilarity 0% phase of the two w indin; so overcomi g or balancing out eil'ectix'hich might othcrwiseliie c: hr n1- 4 lcala age or ditlercnce in magnetic lcali tween the two coils a, a and the primary p. Furtlierniorc the conductors of t ic winlines a, a are prcierahly o'l eiinilar nia rah cr sec i m and lcngth, whereby their inci-r, resistance due to heating will he equah further c intributing to el'lccting' a compx ance oi. the circuit. is before it a ance reinaine, the circuit may he re-halancid by the rc .iiniiar condiand s ,itance R.

In l there is shown a radio receiving! system comprising, as well ulnlerstooil in :h: art, a. radio frequency annilitie r t he Y, a detector tuhc V and an audio 'lrconcaw: pliiier V, in whose plate cironn Qhonc or loud speaker M, Thc rent for the anode circu t of th dctvc or tuhc V i=' derived from the two ih rnio-c FiYi S T. T in an v rangrenict:t oi the cha acter oi Fig.1". 2 inrolving thc ondarica 5' and a, coupled. to the primary p, in turn connected with the march 5 Th positive terminal of the two s rics 'l. T iconnected hy condiicior 5 to the anode oi' the irai'iei oriucr so tuhc V and the negative tcrniiizri is conncctcd h) condu tor (3 with the i'i illiflt' cathode he conductor with the cathodes of the radio and f: 3: in icequency amplifier tubes V and Y; ra ger Lively, on wlu anode circi is uti higher voltage than suppl wjl h the the ccnnlosori i'll'l.

clrect hctii'cen the conductor ('1 till: ductor 7 a witahlr hia'h clccjra i the conductor 7 coinniiin an anodea of the tuhcs Y :1 with the ther no-cnup ii", a re 5n former secondaries and t re coa-lcw' i' K SGIVHIQ for both group T. T and T T. arwl the condenser K? and stance lltor the hranch or arrangement lava series T and T only.

mg the Similarly, where it is desirable to impress a suitable ne ative potential upon the grid of a tube, as, Ior example, upon. the grid 9 of the audio frequency amplifier V, there is supplied a further smaller series of thermocouples T, T associated with the transformer secondaries s, s, the condenser K serve in r also for this branch or system and the a dition'al condenser K serving for the series T, T only. The negative terminal of the series T, T connects by conductor 8 with thegrid of the tube V, while the positive terminal of the series T, T connects with the conductor 6 communicating with the cathode f of the tube V.

In the arrangements of both Figs. 1 and 2, the thermo-couple series T and T are traversed in parallel b the fluctuating or alternating current, an a balance between the re=- mote terminals 1 and 2 of the two series is effected by simpler andcheaper means than by further series of thermo-couples, as by the condensers K, K, supplemented when necessary by the resistance R. The condensers K, K comprise means for balancing between the remote terminals '1 and 2 of the thermo-conple seriesand serve also as means for preventing short circuit of direct current through the alternating or fluctuating current sourceor, in general, between the terminals 1 and 2.

While I have hereinbefore described the application of direct thermo-electric current to the anode and grid circuits of audions or vacuum tubes, it'will be understood that a generally similar arrangement may be utilized for supplyin direct current to the filament or cathode in which case the terminals of the filament will be connected to thef terminals 1 and 2, preferably without an intervening rheostat, though such may be employed if desirable. In this case, however, inasmuch as the filament current is great as com ared to the anode circuit current, the

' con ensers K and K must have far greater capacities than in the arrangement of Figs. 1 and 2 for supplying anode circuit current. In some instances, the capacities for filament excitation would be exceedingly large, and in general, therefore, my arrangement is more generally suitable for anode circuit excitation; and accordingly, in Figs. 3 and 4 filament-exciting batteries 7) are utilized.

The hot junctions of the thcrmo-couples herein referred to are preferably out of direct heat-transfer relation with the atmosphere, and are preferably embedded in material of low heat conductivity and of electrical insulating character, such, for example,as refractory electrically non-conducting mineral matter, whereby the temperatures of the hot junctions are maintained high. Cold junctions may be in contact wit-h the atmosphere, or may be maintained by as R and R to effect nicety of balance, it will be understood that any equivalent means may be used. For example, in shunt to one or the other of the condensers K, K may be used a smoothly variable condenser. Further, it will be understood that the extremeterminals of the resistance R may be in the adjacent bridge arms, and that at 4 there may be used a contact slidable along the slide Wire resistance to effect balance.

To use the condensers K, K and the like at maximum voltage to which they may be suited. or to utilize condensers K, K or the like of smaller capacity, the circuit of the source containing the condensers may be rendered resonant, as, for example, by utilizing the adjustable inductance L, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2. In case, however, the inductances of the windings s, s, Fig. 2, are greater than necessary for resonance, then in lieu of the inductance L of Fig. 2 there may be utilized a variable condenser. And if the inductance predominates 1n the arrangement of Fig.- 1, there may be used in lieu of the adjustable inductanceL a variable condenser.

By adjusting the circuits to resonance as describe the capacities, such as K and K maybe smaller than in the case the circuit is non-resonant; and accordingly, by the utilization of resonance, the arrangement of both Figs. 1 and 2 may as Well be utilized for supplying current to the filaments or cathodes of vacuum tubes, for notwithstanding the greater current required and ordinarily greater capacities for the condensers K, K resonance makes it possible to procure these ing of? direct currentthrough' said remote terminals.

2. A system for deriving direct from altcu;

nating or fluctuating current, con'iprising a source of fluctuating or alternating current,

paths traversed in parallel by current from said source and containing thermocouples, the thermo-couples in said paths being disposed curnulatively in series with each other between terminals 'ofa direct current circuit,

large filament-exciting currents With reason- I and capacitative means for efiecting substantially Zero ditlerence of fluctuating or alernating potential between said terminals.

3. A system for deriving direct from atternating or fluctuating current, comprising av source of fluctuating or alternating current, paths traversed in parallel by current "from said source and containing thermocouples, the thermocouples in said paths being disposed cumulatively in series with each other between termina s of a direct current circuit, and capacitative means and a re ance for etiecting substantially zero ditlerence of fluctuating or alternating potential between said terminals.

i. i". system for deriving direct from alternating current comprising a lvheatstone bridge, thermocouples in adjacent arms of said brido'e. ca flies in the ot ier arms of suit bri ge, said thermo-couples disposed cumulatively in series between conjugate terminals of said bridge, and means for passing alternating or tluctuati current through the other conjugate terminals of the bridge.

5. A system for deriving direct from alternating current comirising a Wheatstone bridge, thermo-couples in adjacent arms said bridge, capacities in the other arms Oi said bridge, said thermoconples dis-posed cumulatively in series between conjugate terminals of said bridge, means for passing alternating or fluctuating current through the other conjugate terminals of the bridge, and a balancing resistance in one of said bridge. arms.

6. A. system for deriving direct from alternating current comprising a lVheatstone bridge. thermo-couples in adjacent arms of said bridrxe, capacities in the other arms oi said bridge, said thermo-couples disposed cumulatively in series between conjugate terminals of said bridge, and sources of fluctuating or alternating current in the bridge arms including said ca 'iacities.

T. A system for deriving direct from alternating current comprising a Vbeatstone bridge. thermocouples in adjacent arms o'l'i said bridge, capacities in the other arms of said bricgc. said thermo-couples cisposed C-llilllllflllYGlY in 'es between conju te terminals of said a lrilanciucj rcsisiance in one of said b dge arms.

8. A system tor deriving direct from alf crrat' current l( lfii )l..l$l!1 a Wheatstoue l -couples iuv adjacent arms of said bridce, capacities in the other i bridge. sic-id thermo-couples cumulatively in series between con ugate terminals of sai bridge. and transformer secondaries in said bridge arms with suit capacities.

A system for deriving direct from alternatim; current comprising a lVheatstone bridge, thermo-eouples in adjacent arms of said bridge, capacities in the other arms of said bridge, said thermo-couples disposed cumulatively in series between conjugate terminals of said bridge, a transformer, a source of fluctuating or alternating current. in circuit with the primary of said transformer, and bitilarly wound secondaries of said trimsttormer disposed in said bridge arms with said apacitics.

10. A system for supplying to an electrode circuit of a vacuum tube direct current derived from alternating or fluctuating current, comprising a source of fluctuating or alternating current, paths traversed in parallel by current from said source and containing thern'io-couples, the thermocouples in said patl 3 being disposed cumulatively in series with each other between terminals of a direct current circuit. and capacitative means "tor effecting substantially zero dill'erence of iuctuating or alternating potential between said terminals.

11.. A system for supplyin to an electrode circuit of a vacuum tube direct current derived from alternating current comprising a lVheati-etone bridge. thermo-couples in adjacent arms of said bridge. capacities in the other arms of said bridge, said thermocouples disposcd cumulatively in series between conjugate terminals of said bridge, and a source of fluctuating or alternating current connected to the bridge arms including said capacities.

12.1 system for deriving direct "from alternating current comprising a lvheatstone bridge, thermo-couples in adjacent arms of said bridge, capacities in the other arms of said bridge, said thermo-couples disposed cumulatively in series between conjugate terminals of said bridge, means for passing alternating or fluctuating current through the. other conjugate terminals of the. bridge, a second similar bridge having a capacitv-con taining arm in common with the capacitycontaining arm of said first named bridge, and the thermo-couples of both bridges counected cumulatively in series with each other.

13. A system for der ving direct. from alternating current for su nilyiiui radio rccciving apparatus having a plurality oi thermionic vacuum tubes. coin 'irising a lVheutstone bridge, thermocouples in uljaccut arms of said bridge. capacities in t ie other arms of said bridge, said thern'io-couples disposed cumulatively in series between conjugate terminals of said bridge. niezirs for passing alternating or fluctuating current through the other conjugate terminals of the bridge, and a second similar bridge. liar a capacity-containing arm in common with the capacity-containing arm of said first named bridge. the thermo-couples of both bric' 'es connected cumulatively in series with "doll other, the anode circuits of said vacuum tubes being supplied respectively by the thermocouples of the different bridges.

14. A system for deriving direct from alternating current for supplying radio receiving apparatus having a plurality of thermionic vacuum tubes, comprising a Wheatstone bridge, thermo-couples in adjacent arms of said bridge, capacities in the otherarmsofsaid bridge, said thermo-couples disposed cumulatively in series between conjugate terminals of said bridge, means for passing alternating or fluctuating current through the other conjugate terminals of the bridge, and a second similar bridge having a capacity-containing arm in common with the capacity-containing arm of said first named bridge, the thermocouples of both bridges connected cumulatively in series with each other, and the thermo-couples of one of said bridges supplybridges impressing a biasing voltage upon the grid of said tube.

15. A system for deriving direct from alternating or fluctuating current, comprising a source of fluctuating or alternating current, paths traversed in parallel by current from said source and containing thermocouples, the thermo-couples in said paths being disposed cumulatively in series with each other between terminals of a direct current circuit, capacitative means for efl'ecting substantially zero difference of fluctuating or alternating potential between said terminals,

and means for rendering resonant the circuit of said capacitative means.

HARRY F. PORTER.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,696,210. Granted December 25, 1928, to

HARRY F. PORTER.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 1, line 77, for the word "of" read or; page 5, line 6, claim 14, strike out the words "plurality of", and line 7, for "tubes" read tube; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 5th day of August, A. D. 1930.

Wm. A. Kinnan, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,696,210. Granted December 25, 1928, to

HARRY F. PORTER.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the primed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 1, line 77, for the word "of" read or; page 5, line 6, claim 14, strike out the words "plurality of", and line 7, for "tubes" read tube; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 5th day of August, A. D. 1930.

Wm. A. Kinnan, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

